This TV version did return to the same Los Angeles high-school gymnasium for the scene where they fall into the swimming pool.
It is often assumed that Marlo Thomas gender-switched the entire cast for this remake. In actuality, only four roles underwent the transition: George Bailey, Mary Hatch, Clarence and the first-assistant angel in the heavenly prologue, whom Thomas recast as female.
Because women were not drafted in World War II, the TV remake does not cause Mary (Marlo Thomas) to lose her hearing in one ear, a device initially used to justify George's 4F classification and his inability to escape Bedford Falls, even in a world war.
Despite two Emmy nominations (for Art Direction and Cloris Leachman's distinctive, endearing portrayal of the angel Clara Oddbody), this film was initially dismissed by audiences and critics because it dared to touch upon one of the most recognized film classics in Hollywood history. Over the course of decades, however, it has developed a strong cult following - for those lucky enough to have seen it, as the film has never been released on home video in any format.
The adult bond between Mary (Marlo Thomas) and George (Wayne Rogers) is cemented through their shared dream of succeeding professionally in the world beyond Bedford Falls, which effectively and realistically tweaks the female gender expectations of pre-World War II Americans.